A FORMER baseball player has been appointed an assistant curate.

The Rev Mark Borley, who played for the Tunbridge Bobcats in the national league for ten years, has moved to the area after studying a theology course in Nottingham and will take his first service at St Barnabas in Gorse Hill on Sunday.

The 43-year-old, who will also be a regular figure at All Saints Church in Ferndale and St Augustine's in Even Swindon, said he was looking forward to meeting local residents.

"I believe it's not just about the people that come to church but everyone that lives in the community and I'm looking forward to talking to people from the parishes," he said.

"I think it's good to know people and know what their needs are so you know the best ways of helping them.

"I also want to get involved with local projects like the Green Hut drop-in centre in the church grounds."

Dr Borley, who studied marine biology before embarking on scientific research and then working in IT, also coached a youth baseball team, was a ski instructor and played ice hockey.

But now he is aiming to put his efforts into religious teaching.

"Getting into church has been a very gradual thing," he said. "By the time I was 37 I felt like it was something I should be doing.

"One big thing for me is I don't think you have to be religious to have a faith and believe in God."

Ben Payne